These features, cisterns and drilled wells both, are very common
components of historic-period sites on Fort Riley, Kansas.

D. Babson.
 

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Barrett, Jared
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 3:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Seeking info on farm cisterns and pipe wells

  We seek references and comparative archaeological examples in regard
to a large brick-and-concrete cistern and drilled pipe well found during
data recovery investigation of a late 19th-early 20th c. farmstead
(abandoned ca. 1912) in Jefferson County, MO, 30 miles southwest of St.
Louis. 

The cistern is constructed of machine-made bricks lined inside and out
with modern "portland cement" concrete. The main chamber is a
flat-bottomed cylinder with an interior diameter of about 8 ft and a
depth of 17 ft., 9 in. This is topped with a brick and concrete dome, 3
ft. high, with a top circular opening  measuring 2 ft., 9 in and a much
smaller rectangular opening halfway up the dome. We estimate the cistern
would have held 6200 gallons when filled. 

The second water-related feature at the site is a small-bore well, lined
with an iron pipe, interior diameter measurement of 7.9 inches. The well
is open to a depth of 29.5 ft, a measurement mentioned in the literature
as about the optimum depth for a hand pump. No pumping equipment was
found at the site. 

The cistern was found adjacent to the farmstead residence, and the well
was found in the barn/stable area.

We would appreciate research leads on the history of cistern
construction and well drilling, and examples from the archaeological
literature describing investigation of similar features.

Thanks!

Jared Barrett
Archaeologist/Field Director
TRC Nashville
1865 Air Lane Dr, Suite 9
Nashville TN  37210-3814
Office: 615 884-4430  Fax: 615 884-4431 
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